Laminoplasty methods using hinge device

Abstract

A vertebra implant is provided that includes an elongate body with a first end configured to mate the first end to a first location on a vertebra, and a second end having at least one fastener configured to mate the second end to a second location on a vertebra. The elongate body also includes a deformable portion extending between the first and second ends that has an unexpanded configuration in which the deformable portion is configured to allow a tool to cut bone extending between the first and second ends when the first and second ends are mated to first and second locations on a vertebra, and an expanded configuration in which the deformable portion is deformed to increase a distance between the first and second ends such that a gap is created in the cut bone. The deformable portion is configured to maintain the first and second ends at a fixed distance apart when the deformable portion is in the expanded configuration. A vertebral implant is also provided that includes an elongate member configured to extend into a vertebra and form a hinge therein using a breakage point located along a length of the elongate member.

What is claimed is: 
     
       1. A method for increasing a size of a spinal canal, comprising:
 coupling a first end of an implant to a first location on a vertebra; 
 coupling a second end of the implant to a second location on the vertebra; 
 after coupling the first and the second ends of the implant to the vertebra such that a deformable portion of the implant extends between the first and second ends, cutting the vertebra between the first and second locations; and 
 deforming the deformable portion of the implant to increase and maintain a distance between the first and second locations on the vertebra thereby increasing a size of a spinal canal extending through the vertebra. 
 
     
     
       2. The method of  claim 1 , wherein deforming the deformable portion of the implant comprises inserting a tool between the first and second ends of the implant, and actuating the tool to apply a force to the first and second ends of the implant to increase a distance therebetween. 
     
     
       3. The method of  claim 2 , wherein deforming the deformable portion of the implant stretches out at least one bend formed in the deformable portion. 
     
     
       4. The method of  claim 1 , wherein coupling at least one of the first and second ends of the implant to the first and second locations on the vertebra comprises inserting a fastener through a thru-hole formed in the implant and inserting the fastener into the vertebra. 
     
     
       5. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the first and second locations are on a lamina located on a first side of a spinous process of the vertebra, and wherein cutting the vertebra comprises separating the lamina into two portions. 
     
     
       6. The method of  claim 5 , further comprising forming a hinge in a lamina located on a second side of the spinous process of the vertebra. 
     
     
       7. The method of  claim 1 , wherein the deformable portion maintains a fixed distance between the first and second ends of the implant. 
     
     
       8. The method of  claim 1 , wherein when the deformable portion is in an undeformed configuration, the deformable portion is V-shaped. 
     
     
       9. A method for increasing a size of a spinal canal, comprising:
 coupling a first end of an implant to a first location on a vertebra; 
 coupling a second end of the implant to a second location on the vertebra, the implant having a bend formed therein disposed between the first and second ends, the bend defining a first angle; 
 cutting the vertebra between the first and second locations; 
 inserting a spreading tool between the first and second ends of the implant, and 
 actuating jaws of the spreading tool such that the jaws apply a force to the first and second ends of the implant that increases the angle of the bend, thereby increasing a distance between the first and second locations on the vertebra and increasing a size of a spinal canal extending through the vertebra. 
 
     
     
       10. The method of  claim 9 , wherein coupling the first and second ends of the implant to the first and second locations on the vertebra comprises inserting a fastener through a thru-hole formed in the implant and inserting the fastener into the vertebra. 
     
     
       11. The method of  claim 9 , wherein the first and second locations are on a lamina located on a first side of a spinous process of the vertebra, and wherein cutting the vertebra comprises separating the lamina into two portions. 
     
     
       12. The method of  claim 9 , wherein prior to actuating the jaws, the implant is in an unexpanded configuration in which the angle of the bend is 40 degrees or less. 
     
     
       13. The method of  claim 12 , wherein when the implant is in the expanded configuration, the deformable portion has a length in the range of about 7 to 20 mm. 
     
     
       14. The method of  claim 9 , wherein actuating the jaws moves the implant to an expanded configuration in which the deformable portion maintains a fixed distance between the first and second ends of the implant. 
     
     
       15. The method of  claim 9 , wherein prior to actuating the jaws, the implant is in an unexpanded configuration in which the bend is V-shaped.